I don’t throw that term around. I reserve it for teams that blow a 7 game lead with 17 to play.

They’re chokers, and anyone who actually counts on them to produce when it really counts is being foolish.

They choked in 2006 and really choked in 2007.

They deserve ZERO faith, sorry. I just go for the uniform now, this crop of players is useless.

And it is ridiculous to say they are all “chokers”, and assume they will lose every game down the stretch next year. The problems seemed to come mostly from some tired, innefectual pitching, mostly from a few guys. That, and injuries.

Choking implies that their lack of success was mental (that is, the pressure caused them to not perform as they otherwise would). Somehow, I don’t think that was the case with most of them. Feleciano was iffy for quite a while. Do he suddenly go from clutch to choker (all mental)?

Anyway, the team will have enough new players on it that it will stand on it’s own merits, and can be competitive even without a complete cutting of the roster (which if anything, will likely make them worse!)

As always, this is all IMHO, something to which you are also entitled!

Based on what? They’re a bunch of choking losers who could just as easily crap out and go down to 82 wins.

I’ll say it again….they’re CHOKERS. Don’t you dare act like 90 wins is probable. Not without a massive offseason overhaul.

Even if they do act like men instead of chokers and win 90, it probably won’t be enough anyway.

Woopee.

But in general, slim pickens.

Trades are impossible to predict, since I have no idea who is actually available. But conceptually, I would love to see a young 2B or C for the nucleus (Barfield?), or a youngish middle rotation veteran that can crank out some innings and pitch deep into games (someone from Pitt?)

If they have to trade a name guy, GOmez is the one I would like to see them move.

But having watched Omar for a couple of years, I expect he will trade people you didn’t expect, to get someone you never heard of, or wouldn’t think he could (or would) get!

So, that part reminds me nothing of the lte 70s!

Although to digress, it was nice back then when you could decide on a beautiful Saturday afternooon to go to the game, get there at 12:30, and buy some good field box seasts! No traffic problems either!

Anyway, sure they have some holes to plug, but this is not a wreck of a team with no talent at all. They are perfectly capable (and even likely) to win 90 gaems +/1- in 2008

The only bright side (if there is one) to the collapse might be that it would be almost impossible to pull that off again! Might eb a once in a lifetime event.

Another problem are the expectations of many NY fans who want big free agent signings and big names in the lineup. Many don’t care about rooting simply for laundry, just as long as the team wins. The problem is free agent signings or big acquisitions aren’t always the ticket to winning as you point out. And free agents or acquired vets are more likely to get “bored” and play that way. As a fan I’d rather have a team that plays with more heart and passion, especially if they’re not going to make the postsason anyway.

Boston and the Yankees are good examples of big market teams trying a blended approach. The problem with trying to follow the Yankees model is that it is only applicable to a team that can sign a lot of pricey free agents and then when they don’t perform, they are not afraid to cut their losses, hide their mistakes in the minors, or throw more money at the problem to try to fix it. But this at least allows them to still give their kids a chance while at the same time appeasing the fans.

Regardless, it takes a firm commitment from the entire organization in order to build from within, especially if you are a larger market team. The GM has to be especially committed, and both Cashman and Theo have gone to war over this issue with their bosses in recent years to ensure the agenda was put in place.